The Figure Of Isaac In The First Chapter Of The Gospel Of Matthew

10.1163/ej.9789004175693.i-340.38

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Chapter Summary

This chapter examines several Matthean passages which may evoke the figure of Isaac. In the first chapter of Matthew, the Model Reader has found three potential evocations of the figure of Isaac. The first two instances (Matt 1:1 and genealogy) are somewhat elusive and ambiguous, but the third (Matt 1:18-25) is unmistakable, which suggests to the Model Reader that the figure of Isaac is indeed to be actualized in the prior two possibilities. The Model Reader begins to wonder whether these hints of Isaac might portend a more significant role for figure of Isaac in the entire Gospel. Isaac, like Jesus, was conceived under most extraordinary circumstances. Isaac's sacrifice was paradigmatic for the temple and its sacrifices as well as the sacrifices of martyrs; the Model Reader wonders if Jesus, having enjoyed a birth like that of Isaac, might also be called to endure a death like that of Isaac.